Our Financial Goals for 2016

Our Financial Goals for 2016

We began paying off our debt just a few short months ago, but we have already come so far. As you may know, our big goal is to pay off our almost $200,000 in debt as soon as we possibly can. That being said, we haven’t taken much time to sort through our financial goals in writing. Not just the big scary goal, but the little goals that will get us there.

I really appreciated their format, their ideas, and their overall concept. So, I’ve decided to create my own list of 2016 financial goals. Yes, I do realize that it’s a little late (we’re already well into 2016), but regardless, here are the goals we hope to accomplish for this year!

Big, Scary, Overall Financial Goals

We all have them. The daunting goals that hang over our heads – always close enough to see, never close enough to touch. For many of us, this is what debt freedom is… a ‘pipe dream’ if you will.

I have had many friends ask me about my debt repayment. When I say that I’m putting off getting a house, having children, etc. they all think I’m insane. I’ve heard it time and time again, “You’re never going to get out of debt.” “No one ever ACTUALLY gets out of debt.” “You’re going to miss out on your life trying to get out of debt.”

Of course, these are the same people who are in debt up to their eyeballs and complain about not being able to afford the luxuries of other couples who make the same income… or even afford to fix their cars when they break down.

I get it. I do.

When you’re in the throws of debt, it’s easy to get discouraged and truly believe that debt freedom is impossible. Here’s the thing though: it isn’t. Debt freedom is possible, but it takes hard work, determination, and letting go of some expectations for your lifestyle. Dave Ramsey puts it best: “If you will live like no one else now, you can live like no one else later.”

So, if you want to know why I want to be out of debt it’s simple: I want to live like no one else. That’s my big, scary, overall financial goal: to become debt free and never rack up the debt again, ever.

Big, Scary, Overall Financial Goal: To become completely debt free.

The Timeline

Okay, here’s the other part that I hate to think about. I’ve been paying off my debt like a madman, but I have never set a date for when I hope to become debt free. Sure, I wish it could be tomorrow, but we all know that’s unrealistic.

What does it look like then? I am going to set anotherbig, scary goal of paying off all of our debt by 2019 – that’s three years. Now, I know that our debt is GIANT and that that goal is a little out of our league, but what can it hurt to try? Barring that all of our job and living situations don’t go downhill really fast, and that we stay healthy and happy for the next three years, I hope to have our debt SMASHED by 2019.

Our Financial Goals for 2016

There you have it – our financial goals for 2016! The big and scary ones and the small, but mighty ones. All are equally important in helping us to reach our goals. And if we accomplish these goals? Well, we will enter 2017 with only Federal student debt (which will total less than $140,000)! Woohoo!

What are your financial goals for 2016?

Share them in the comments below!

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I just love reading your posts about your financial goals – you really motivate me. 🙂 The goal we’re working hard on right now is using the food we have in the house before buying more – no more throwing out expired food! So far, so good!

That’s a great goal (but a hard one), my wife and I started working on that all the way back at the beginning of January with our No Spend Challenge – we’re STILL working on it today (almost two months later). Who knew we had so much food in our house? It feels great to finish off an area though. Good luck!

small remark ( I think one day you will hate the word “remark”): be indulgent with you. There is a chance (yep, a very small one, because I know you will do it) but there is a change to not complete one of your lists. There is no problem, there are more to do on your list. One unchecked it is not a fail, it is a success because you did the others!.
Do no spend Challenge, even for a week is a no spend Challenge successful, same as a month of no spend Challenge.

haha! Someday maybe I will hate the word remark, for now, I love that you always are thinking of ways for us to better ourselves and adding to the conversation – so thank you 🙂 You’re absolutely right though – there’s a chance that we will not make all of our goals and we have to accept that. If we don’t make them all, we didn’t fail as long as we tried! That’s what matters. 🙂 Thank you for this encouragement

Yes, it certainly is a big HUGE goal for one year of repayment. We’re scared, but you’re absolutely right. We already have made progress, we can do this! Thank you for your comment and support, Mortimer! 🙂

Awww I love seeing your goals! You have such determination, I know ya’ll can reach them. I like your “no boxed pasta or store bought bread!” You are already making extra money on the blog, that is so awesome! Can’t wait to kick 2016’s butt with you!

Thank you, Erica!! I really appreciate it. I’ve always been a fan of your blog and it’s so happy that you’ve found mine. 🙂 We are really trying here to get out of debt as quickly as possible – support definitely helps. Thank you for your comment!! 🙂